Mark Barton(IX)

Mark Barton has been in 'the movies' since 1973 when he shot his first super 8 film, entitled The Man From Mars. Eventually in 1978 Mark was a runner up in the BBC TV Screen Test competition with the submission of his 8 minute super 8 disaster film, Oilrig. In an aside the producers said it would have won but was far 'too bloody and violent for children's TV'. Mark dropped out of his graphic design degree to pursue a career in TV and Film, finding himself both behind and in front of the camera. Starting as a runner Mark worked up to the position of camera operator filming on a variety of programs both broadcast and corporate (which always paid more and quicker, a benefit to a freelancer) Spending several months at Aardman Animations, as Nick Parks studio assistant Mark was proud to work on the following classic Aardman TV adverts: 'On/Offable" Heat Electricity (with Terry the Tortoise), 'Stick it on your Spoon' Tate and Lyle Golden syrup with Spike Milligan, and ''Rollercoster' Cadburys Crunchie. A career break led to working with Police for a few years as Marks family grew. Returning to the industry Mark decided to teach film. Mark has since been an academic technical instructor in Film and Drama, teaching the new generation of film makers, whilst obtaining his Masters degree in Film and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. No longer involved regularly behind the camera on film or television productions, Mark has executive produced over 3000 student films. Talent arising from his interaction with both the film and drama course has seen acting talent such as Jessica Raine (Call the midwife) and Mickey Sumner (Snowpiercer) gained international recognition, and upcoming award winning directors Rob Ayling (Living in Crime Alley) and Jake Reid (Antwerp Dolls) In Marks office hangs a signed picture from Sigourney Weaver from Alien3. Mark continues to teach film and loves it, and has found that his passion for super 8 and 16mm is being called upon having supplied vintage cine cameras and projectors to both the BBC NHU and NetFlix Sex Education series.